35 And Jesus went about all the
cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the
gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease
among the people. 36 But
when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because
they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
–Matthew 9:35, 36 (KJV)
This past Monday, our nation observed Martin
Luther King Jr. Day. This observance always causes me to reflect
on events of my childhood which helped formulate many of the attitudes
and beliefs to which I hold today. Growing up in Dayton, Ohio
in the 1960’s and 70’s, I attended an elementary school that while
predominately white had numerous African American children. By
the time I reached high school the school I attended was fully integrated
with a fairly even number of black and white students. There were few race-related problems there during that time. We were just kids going to school, getting along with one another, and sharing the similar struggles involved with finding our places in the world. Had Dr.
King lived to walk the halls of Colonel White High School while I was
a student there he would have rejoiced to know his efforts were not
in vain.
Along with my school experience was my attendance
at a large Baptist church where we sang songs such as “Jesus Loves
the Little Children,” (the line about “red and yellow, black and
white, they are precious in his sight” made an indelible impression)
and I heard countless sermons about the gospel of Jesus Christ being
for all people regardless of skin color.
At some point in my youth I came to the realization
that the gospel is for all people, therefore none should be excluded.
Following this was my personal decision to turn away from the ugliness
of racism. I believe both these attitudes came together in a manner
that helped me see others as people in need of Christ and deserving
of fair and equal treatment regardless of skin color. I hold these
views as vital in preaching the gospel and reaching out to a lost and
hurting world. The Bible says when Jesus went about proclaiming
the gospel of the kingdom, it is clear He did so with the intention
of reaching all who would receive Him. Any who desired to turn
from sin and trust Christ could receive the salvation Christ offered.
Consider how that “whosoever” (John 3:16)
means you and me. Christ came to save sinners. He looked at our
need, not the color of our skin, and we are saved through faith in Him.
Rejoice and be glad today, for the gospel is for us. Jesus loves
us, not because our skin is a certain color, but because His loves reaches
all who will by faith receive Him. We in turn share His love with
others.
God bless you.
